Barnwell Primary School is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate. We do this by empowering children to achieve their fullest potential through challenging and diverse educational opportunities in a safe, student-centered environment that prepares them to be lifelong learners and active, productive members of our community.
Utilizing the data from our school’s state testing results, running records, classroom assessments and quarterly benchmark data, we are able to effectively examine our instructional strategies, assessments, and programs. In analyzing this data, it enables us to provide individual instruction in the classroom and differentiate instruction for each student.
The Response to Intervention (RTI) program continues to meet the needs of students who need additional support who are not performing on grade-level. The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Reading Assessment System, analysis of benchmark testing data, and iStation reports are used to monitor and assess students’ growth. After each benchmark testing session, the administrative team, teachers and reading coach conduct grade level data meetings. During this collaboration, individual student data such as benchmark scores, classroom common assessment scores, behavior, and attendance are analyzed. The team develops and/or adjusts student intervention plans to meet the needs of the student academically, socially and behaviorally. Any student that is in need of intensive reading intervention participates in the Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) group. This program provides daily intensive small-group instruction within the classroom using systematically designed lessons. LLI is offered in addition to regular classroom reading instruction. An additional program that is provided to our students is through Save the Children (STC). This grant allows us to provide additional reading support for 100 students during the school day. Students are pulled out to work with the STC educator and receive support through small-group and direct instruction. The 21st Century After School program held at our school, offers students the opportunity to receive additional academic support. This program provides activities that will enrich the student academically, focusing on reading and math.
During the 2017-2018 school year, the 1:1 initiative was introduced. All Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and first grade classes received iPads and the second and third graders received Google Chromebooks to utilize in the classroom. Teachers developed lessons that required the students to produce products such as essays, presentations, and projects.
Barnwell Primary had many outstanding achievements. Ms. Meredith Wilson, kindergarten teacher, was selected as Barnwell Primary School’s Teacher of the Year. Our teachers have been awarded numerous grants which allowed our teachers to provide meaningful learning opportunities.
- Amy Davis, Guidance Counselor, was awarded a Donors Choose grant to purchase American flags and brackets for teacher classrooms.
- Emily Coble, Physical Education teacher, received $1,085 from Donors Choose to purchase new fans to keep children cool during class, as well as, treats and supplies for our CHARMS behavior incentive program.
- Deanna Grubbs, Montessori teacher, was awarded $479 through her Donors Choose grant to purchase a classroom rug for her students to have a comfortable area for group lessons and individualized learning.
- Krysten Rimes, first grade teacher, received $450 from Donors Choose to purchase a table/chairs for small group learning. The table allowed her to reach every student during small group or individualized instruction.
- Brooke Davis, third grade science/social studies teacher, received $279 to purchase a rug for her classroom.
- Masey Mathias, second grade teacher, received over $1,000 from Donors Choose to purchase interactive novels, cubbies, and flexible seating for her classroom.
Programs such as Jump Rope for Heart, Pennies for Patients, American Red Cross Blood Drive, recycling programs, and canned food drives allowed our students to serve their community. School wide events such as the Fall Carnival, Family STEAM night, Meet & Greet, Stuff the Bus, McTeacher Night, and school chorus programs all provided opportunities for our staff, student families, community members and stakeholders to come together and support our students. Regions Bank offered financial literacy lessons to our students. The Rotary Club provided dictionaries for all third graders, and Mayor Lemon and Alexander & Pandev Law Firm provided government lessons for our students.
At Barnwell Primary School, we strive to provide all students with a high-quality education in a positive learning environment that embraces academics, the arts, and physical development to enrich the whole child.
Donna Selvey, Principal
Stephanie Mead, School Improvement Council Chair